The pigeon shooting season in Fiji for 2026 has been canceled. This decision came after the Ministry of Agriculture received critical advice about protecting certain pigeon species under Fijian law.
Typically, this shooting season runs from late May to mid-June. Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna stated that the Barking Pigeon, White-throated Pigeon, and Pacific Pigeon are legally protected. These birds are listed under the Endangered and Protected Species Act of 2002. Any activities involving these species require strict legal permits.
The Ministry of Environment raised concerns about the outdated population data of these pigeons. Without current assessments, it’s tough to know how many can be safely harvested. They also highlighted challenges in monitoring these birds, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Unsustainable harvesting could threaten Fiji’s biodiversity. In fact, recent studies show that climate change has already negatively impacted pigeon populations. For instance, extreme weather events have damaged nesting sites and food sources, which adds further stress to these birds.
Historically, the pigeon shooting season has cultural significance in some communities, but this isn’t the first time it has been canceled. Past seasons have been interrupted due to environmental issues and natural disasters.
At this point, Minister Tunabuna confirms that the season remains closed for now. Further assessments and legal considerations will guide any future decisions. The priority, he notes, is to protect these vulnerable bird species and consider the long-term health of Fiji’s ecosystems.
For more information about protected species in Fiji, check out the Endangered and Protected Species Act 2002 for detailed legal guidelines.
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